VERNON, CT EMCOR Services New England Mechanical (NEMSI) was recently honored with a 1st Place Design/Build Award. NEMSI was recognized for its design/build work on the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems for the new visual performing arts center at the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut. It is the sixth time in 11 years NEMSI has been recognized with a first place award for its design/build work.

One of New England's leading mechanical services contractors, EMCOR Services New England Mechanical is a subsidiary of the EMCOR Group, Inc., a Fortune 500® leader in mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services for a diverse range of businesses. 

"The Forman School project combined a design/build delivery approach for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems with traditional construction management for the rest of the project," said Dana Finnegan, President & CEO, EMCOR Services New England Mechanical. "We were able to help Forman School successfully build the facility to meet its unique program requirements, and the design-build project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule."

The diverse nature of the activities throughout the school building, the extensive use of natural sunlight through skylights and large windows, low noise criteria in the auditorium as well as the classrooms, and a stated desire for good temperature and humidity control, drove NEMSI to create the HVAC design solution which resulted in the installation of a central air cooled chiller system serving variable air volume (VAV) air handling units.

"A building committee of administrators and faculty played a significant role in shaping a successful project. Throughout the process, the Forman building committee applied its core principles by embracing different project delivery styles to meet the project challenges head-on," Finnegan said. "The result is a wonderful and comfortable facility that meets its original programmatic goals. The new visual performing arts building provides an environment where students are encouraged to be happy, engaged, and ultimately, successful."